Frequently Asked Questions

 For allergy sufferers, the best flooring options are those that don’t trap dust, pollen, pet dander, or other allergens. Smooth, hard surfaces are ideal because they’re easy to clean and don’t harbor irritants the way carpets can.

Here are the top allergy-friendly flooring choices:

✅ Hardwood – Naturally hypoallergenic and easy to maintain. It doesn't trap allergens and can be regularly cleaned with minimal effort.

✅ Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – A great low-maintenance option that mimics the look of wood while resisting moisture, dust, and allergens.

✅ Tile – Ceramic or porcelain tile is non-porous, easy to clean, and highly resistant to allergens, mold, and mildew—making it ideal for allergy-prone households.

✅ Cork – Naturally antimicrobial and resistant to mold, mildew, and pests. It’s also soft underfoot and eco-friendly.

The key difference between hardwood and engineered hardwood lies in their construction and how they perform in different environments.

Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is made from a single, solid piece of wood throughout. It’s known for its timeless beauty, durability, and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. Because it’s a natural material, it can expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, making it better suited for stable, dry environments like above-grade living spaces.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is made from multiple layers of wood, with a real hardwood veneer on top and high-quality plywood or fiberboard underneath. This layered construction gives it greater stability and resistance to moisture, which makes it ideal for areas where solid hardwood may not be practical—such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Both are beautiful and long-lasting options—your choice depends on your space, lifestyle, and budget. Not sure which is right for your home? Artistry Floors can guide you through the selection and installation process. Contact us today for a free estimate! 

Yes, we proudly offer a variety of eco-friendly flooring options crafted from sustainable, responsibly sourced materials.
Whether you're looking for natural hardwood, recycled content, or low-VOC products, we have environmentally conscious solutions that don’t compromise on style or durability. Choosing green flooring is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint while creating a healthier indoor environment for your family or employees.

Ask us about our eco-friendly product line during your free estimate—we'll help you find the perfect match for your space and your values!

 We strongly advise against using steam mops or introducing excessive heat and moisture to your hardwood floors, as this can lead to permanent damage. Steam can penetrate the wood, causing it to expand, crack, or split over time.

If damage occurs due to steam cleaning or improper maintenance, it will not be covered under your flooring warranty.

Even small amounts of standing water can prematurely age hardwood floors, compromising their beauty and structural integrity. For best results, clean your floors with a manufacturer-approved hardwood cleaner and a dry or lightly damp mop.

 Yes, in many cases, hardwood floor damage can be repaired—restoring both the appearance and function of your flooring without a full replacement. The type of repair depends on the extent and type of damage:

Color-Blended Filler – Ideal for small chips and dents; fills in imperfections while blending seamlessly with the existing wood tone.

Touch-Up Kits – Perfect for minor surface scratches; these kits include stain markers and sealers to mask superficial flaws.

Board Replacement – For areas with significant damage or warping, individual boards can often be removed and replaced without affecting the surrounding floor.

Sanding & Refinishing – A great solution for worn, dull, or deeply scratched floors. This process restores the surface and allows for a new finish to be applied. (Note: Not all hardwood floors can be sanded—especially thinner or previously refinished boards.)

If you're unsure what your floors need, Artistry Floors can assess the damage and recommend the best repair solution. Contact us today for a free consultation!

 While floor and wall tiles may look similar, they are designed for very different purposes:

Floor Tile
Floor tiles are manufactured to be thicker, denser, and more durable, allowing them to withstand the weight and impact of daily foot traffic. They are slip-resistant and built to handle the wear and tear of high-use areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

Wall Tile
Wall tiles, on the other hand, are thinner, lighter, and easier to install vertically. They're not designed to support weight or resist heavy impact, so they’re best suited for backsplashes, shower walls, and decorative accents. Wall tiles often feature more delicate finishes and intricate designs.

Important Note:
Wall tiles should never be used on floors, but floor tiles can safely be used on walls in some designs where added strength is desired.

 Glazed tile is water-resistant when installed correctly, making it a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas exposed to moisture. However, it's important to note that not all glazed tiles are approved for high-moisture environments such as showers, bathtubs, and pool surrounds.

For these areas, you’ll need to select a tile specifically rated for wet applications. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the tile you choose is suitable for your intended use.

Proper installation, waterproof underlayment, and sealed grout are also key to maximizing water resistance and preventing long-term damage.

 While porcelain and ceramic tiles may appear similar, they are constructed differently and offer unique advantages depending on your project needs.

Material Composition
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay and water, but porcelain contains denser clay minerals such as quartz and feldspar. As a result, porcelain is fired at higher temperatures, making it more dense, less porous, and more durable than standard ceramic tile.

Durability
Porcelain’s lower porosity means it absorbs less water, making it ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor spaces that experience freeze-thaw cycles. It’s also more resistant to chips, scratches, and heavy foot traffic, which makes it perfect for high-use residential or commercial spaces.

Color & Design
Porcelain tiles often come with through-body or color-body options:

• Through-body porcelain: The color and pattern run through the entire tile, so chips and wear are less noticeable. 
• Color-body porcelain: The tile body closely matches the surface design, helping to maintain a consistent look even with wear.

Ceramic Tile Considerations
Ceramic tile typically has a red or brown base and is slightly more porous. While it's still a great option for walls and low-traffic floors, any chips or damage may reveal the underlying color, which can be more noticeable.

Need help deciding which is right for your project? Artistry Floors offers expert guidance and professional installation for both porcelain and ceramic tile. Contact us today for a free consultation!  

•  Glazed: The glaze is like the finishing touch to your tile. It works like a bodyguard to protect your tile from moisture and stains. Most ceramic tiles are glazed, but people sometimes prefer the natural, earthy look of unglazed tiles. Additionally, the glaze can cause these tiles to be more slippery when wet so we recommend using a textured tile if you plan to use a glazed tile in a bathroom or water-prone area.
• Polished: For a truly flawless surface, polished porcelain floor tiles are ground down to a high polish just like natural stones like marble and granite. A polish top coat finish is added to protect your tile from absorbing dirt and debris, offering you a sharper-looking floor with less maintenance and that ‘glassy’ look.
• Unglazed: Unglazed ceramic tiles have no extra finish added after firing. They often look more earthy and natural than glazed ceramic tiles, but they are not quite as impervious to liquid or as easy to maintain. While these tiles can be (and are) still used in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, they will require more maintenance than their safeguarded glazed counterparts.

Yes—seams in carpeting, like those in other fabrics, can often be visible, especially depending on the carpet type and installation layout. Certain styles such as low-pile, flatweave, and looped carpets tend to show seams more clearly. In contrast, plush and shaggy carpets are better at concealing them due to their higher pile and texture.

If you're concerned about seam visibility or placement, it's crucial to discuss this with your flooring professional before purchasing the carpet. Seam planning can significantly impact both the look of your finished space and the amount of carpet required for installation.

Important Note:
Once your carpet has been cut and the installation process begins, seam placement cannot be altered, as materials are already measured and customized to your space. Early communication and proper planning ensure the best possible result for both appearance and performance.

For looped carpets, we recommend using a firmer carpet pad with a minimum density of 8 pounds to support the structure of the loops and extend the life of your carpet.

Standard Options:
Depending on the type and price of the carpet, we typically include either a ¼" rebond pad or a ⅜" rebond pad. These provide reliable support while maintaining comfort underfoot.

Stairs & Woven Carpets:
For staircases and under woven carpets, we use a high-density felt pad, which offers exceptional firmness and durability—perfect for high-traffic areas that require extra support.

Luxury Upgrades:
If you’re looking for a more plush, cushioned feel under a looped carpet, we also offer premium rubber pads and additional upgrade options to enhance comfort without compromising stability.

Carpet indentations are common in areas with heavy foot traffic or where furniture has been sitting for extended periods. Over time, the carpet pile can compress under the weight, leaving visible marks. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent and minimize these indentations:

Rotate or Move Furniture Regularly
Shifting furniture just a few inches every so often can help distribute weight more evenly, preventing long-term compression in one area.

Use Furniture Coasters or Pads
Placing coasters or protective pads under the legs of heavy furniture helps disperse the pressure and reduce impact on the carpet pile.

Fluff the Pile Back into Place
If an indentation does occur, try gently raking the fibers with the edge of a coin to lift and loosen the pile.

Use Steam Carefully
For deeper indentations, hold a hot steam iron about four inches above the carpet and allow the steam to penetrate the fibers—never touch the carpet directly with the iron. Then, use a spoon or soft brush to lift the pile.

By taking a few preventative steps and using the right techniques, you can prolong the beauty and resilience of your carpet.

Solid and engineered hardwood flooring are both excellent choices for most rooms in your home thanks to their beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. However, there are some spaces where hardwood may not be the best fit.

Avoid High-Moisture Areas
Solid hardwood is not recommended for areas prone to moisture or water exposure, such as:

• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Mudrooms
• Basements

Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause solid wood to warp, swell, or crack over time. For these areas, consider using engineered hardwood or water-resistant alternatives like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile.

Ideal Rooms for Hardwood Flooring:

• Living rooms
• Dining rooms 
• Bedrooms
• Hallways
• Home offices

Pro Tip: If you love the look of hardwood but need a more moisture-friendly solution, engineered hardwood is a great alternative. It’s constructed with layered materials that make it more dimensionally stable—perfect for slightly humid environments and below-grade installations like basements.

Still unsure? Contact us for a free estimate and in-home consultation, and we’ll help you find the best flooring solution for every room in your home.